The Importance of Being Earnest brought to life by The Maleny Players

Since its first production in 1895, Oscar Wilde’s satirical comedy The Importance of Being Earnest has had innumerable presentations, notably two films (the 2002 version featuring Colin Firth and Judi Dench).

John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff are both rakish renegades, hiding from their social responsibilities in an adopted identity called Ernest. Both are in love: Algernon with Cecily Cardwell, Worthing’s ward: Worthing with Gwendolen, the daughter of the redoubtable Lady Bracknell.

Under a veneer of Victorian Society, romantic entanglements ensue - in the timeless classic enticed by Director Patricia Lovell into a slightly more modern setting.

When irresponsible, reckless Algernon Moncrieff becomes engaged to dreamy, romantic Cecily Cardew what will happen to his habit of Bunburying?

Essentially it is supposed to come to an end as marriage is expected to make him more responsible and less able to lead a double life.

The play treats this issue humorously rather than serious and Wilde uses Bunburying to satirise rigid social conventions. Algernon enjoys the invention of this imaginary invalid character to escape his social obligations and do whatever he pleases.

The audience may suspect that someone as mischievous as Algernon might not really abandon his deceptive habits so easily, however Algernon himself suggests that Bunburying may not be compatible with married life. What will he do?

Don’t miss Maleny Players humorous production of “The Importance of Being Earnest “ by Oscar Wilde. 24th July to 2nd August Tickets available www.trybooking.com/DKOEA and cash salesman Rosetta Books Maleny.